Sharing Stories for National Recovery Month

BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Greater Falls Connections and Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield will be co-hosting a series of events to celebrate National Recovery Month during the month of September. The events support people in recovery and draw attention to critical prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Recovery Month celebrates the benefits of recovery from both mental and substance use disorders.

The local events that will support the national effort include:

Rock for Recovery BBQ – Saturday, Sept. 15, 1-4pm, Turning Point Recovery Center, Springfield

Myths & Realities of Narcan – Thursday, Sept. 20, 9-10:30am at Parks Place, Bellows Falls

Songs & Stories of Hope: Open Mic Night – Friday, Sept. 21, 5:30pm at Flat Iron Exchange, Bellows Falls

GFC Coalition Meeting: Courage & Compassion: Inspiring Stories of Recovery – Friday, Sept. 28, 12-1pm at Rockingham Health Center, Bellows Falls

Earlier this year in February, 200 people attended the Importance of Hope forum at the Bellows Falls Opera House, where people shared stories of addiction, treatment, recovery, and hope.

“These events emphasize that individuals in recovery and their support systems can be change agents in our communities,” stated Laura Schairbaum, Director of Greater Falls Connections. “We all have the potential to make a difference and be visible, vocal, and valuable to help spread the message that recovery is possible. It is critical that people experiencing mental and substance use disorders receive the support they need. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.”

In 2016, an estimated 44.7 million adults aged 18 or older (18.3 percent) had any mental illness in the past year according to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual survey released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Recovery Month is a national observance sponsored by SAMHSA, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The observance raises awareness of mental and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

All of the National Recovery Month events in the area are free to the public. Come and hear about how recovery is transforming lives. The mission of Greater Falls Connections is to connect the community of Windham Northeast by inspiring and empowering people through education and collaboration to promote wellness and prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, with an emphasis on youth substance use prevention.  The mission of Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield is to enhance the spiritual, mental, physical, and social growth of our community affected by any form of addiction.